President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Sunday, Dec. 10, said that the Philippines would “remain undeterred” amidst China’s "aggression and provocations" against the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In an X (formerly Twitter) post, the President said the government's determination to “defend and protect” the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction was "steeled further" by China's latest "aggression and provocations" in the WPS.
“Let me reiterate what is settled and widely recognized: Ayungin Shoal is within our Exclusive Economic Zone, any foreign claim of sovereignty over it is baseless and absolutely contrary to international law,” Marcos said.
“Bajo de Masinloc is a sovereign Philippine territory and an integral part of our archipelago. No one but the Philippines has a legitimate right or legal basis to operate anywhere in the West Philippine Sea,” he continued.
The aggression and provocations perpetrated by the China Coast Guard and their Chinese Maritime Militia against our vessels and personnel over the weekend have only further steeled our determination to defend and protect our nation's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and…
— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) December 10, 2023
The President said he constantly communicates with the national security and defense leadership on the issue.
"[I] have directed our uniformed services to conduct their missions with the utmost regard for the safety of our personnel, yet proceed with a mission-oriented mindset," he said.
Marcos believed that China’s “illegal presence” and “dangerous actions” violated international law and the rules-based international order.
“To our gallant service members, be assured of our utmost gratitude and fullest support. We remain undeterred,” he furthered.
On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that three Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessels were attacked by the Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia using water cannons while on their way to deliver oil subsidies and grocery packs to over 30 Filipino fishing vessels near the WPS.
JUST IN: National Task Force West Philippine Sea, kinumpirma ang panibagong insidente ng pambobomba ng tubig ng Chinese Coast Guard sa mga barko ng bansa sa West Philippine Sea | @dzrhnews
— Christian Maño (@xtian_mano) December 9, 2023
🎥: @coastguardph pic.twitter.com/St1wNthIJT
China's water canyoning and ramming occurred again on the morning of Dec. 10, and this time, PCG vessels were attacked.
WATCH: Paggamit ng water cannon at pagsagi ng China Coast Guard sa barko ng Pilipinas na magdadala ng supply sa mga sundalo sa BRP Sierra Madre sa Ayungin shoal ngayong Linggo ng umaga | @dzrhnews
— Christian Maño (@xtian_mano) December 10, 2023
🎥: @coastguardph pic.twitter.com/xsskeoXMdc
